C1adjective 3K

Indigenous

UK /["/ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/"]/ US /["/ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

coming from a particular place and having lived there for a long time before other people came there; relating to, belonging to or developed by these people

Listen to definition

In simple words: People or things that originally come from a place.

Examples

• the **indigenous peoples/languages** of an area
• Indigenous **Australians/Canadians**
• indigenous **land/territory**
• She campaigns for indigenous rights.
• Guatemala has one of the highest percentages of indigenous peoples of any country in the Americas.
• examples of truly indigenous music
• Antarctica has no indigenous human population.
• Several indigenous African languages are used in the country.
• The kangaroo is indigenous to Australia.
• The reserve supports a wide range of indigenous species.

Usage notes

This term is commonly used to refer to the original inhabitants of a region, particularly in discussions about culture, rights, and history. It's important to use it respectfully, especially in formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'in-DIG-nus' as digging deep into the original roots of a community.

Collocations

• indigenous culture
• indigenous people
• indigenous rights
• indigenous land

Synonyms

• native

Antonyms

• non-indigenous
• immigrant

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'native' — while similar, 'indigenous' often implies a deeper cultural connection.
• Using it inappropriately for non-human contexts, where 'native' is more suitable.